Hamilton’s Central Library is undergoing major maintenance work to ensure it remains safe, future-ready, and welcoming to the community. Below you’ll find answers to common questions about the project.
Auaha opening hours
For the comfort of staff and customers during this construction, the Central Library Auaha Makerspace will only be open on Saturdays from 10am until 2pm.
During the week, our Auaha librarians will be hitting the road and bringing Auaha workshops for kids to our other libraries. See Auaha on Wheels event details.
Upcoming work - January and February*
*The dates below are esitmates and are subject to change due to factors such as weather. All work on this project will take place between 7.30am and 8pm.
2-5 February
Installation of the new facade will require lifting material over the public walkway. The front entrance may be closed for periods of the day as a safety precaution. See below images for estimated positioning of the crane and pedestrian access disruptions:
Frequently Asked Questions
Over recent years, water has been getting between the facade and the building, causing significant damage. Because the issue sits behind the facade, there’s no quick or simple fix. To protect the library, our staff, and its heritage and book collections, we need to completely remove the existing facade and replace it with a new, durable design.
Construction began on Monday 1 September and is expected to finish by early May 2026.
Yes. The Central Library will remain open for its normal hours throughout the project. We’ve planned carefully to minimise disruption, so people can continue to visit, borrow items, attend events, and use the library as usual.
The front access walkway may close for short periods when building material is being lifted overhead.
Due to the proximity to the front of the building, the Auaha Makerspace will be closed on weekdays. Auaha will still be open on Saturdays, as usual.
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During opening hours, books and other loaned items can only be returned inside the library. Please bring them in and put them on the white returns shelf.
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After hours, there will be a book drop location to the left of the construction area when facing the front of the building.
There will be some changes inside and outside the building while work is underway:
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The library will be wrapped and enclosed with hoarding to protect the site and keep the public safe.
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Inside, insulated hoardings will be used to reduce noise, particularly during the removal of the existing facade.
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Some services and programmes, including Wriggle & Rhyme, will temporarily move from the front to the back of the building to create a quieter space.
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The Auaha Makerspace will be closed on weekdays.
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The front access walkway may close for isolated periods when building material is being lifted overhead.
Yes, there will be some visible impact in Garden Place, including construction vehicles, temporary fencing, and building wraps. These measures are in place to ensure safety. We’re working closely with the contractor to minimise disruption for people using Garden Place as well as nearby residents and businesses. Like any construction project, there may be short-term inconvenience, but the result will be worth it.
The mural was a beautiful way to brighten the space while we worked on a long-term solution for the facade. It was always intended to be temporary. We’re now working with Hamilton Arts Trust (Boon) to explore other opportunities for murals and public art around the city.
The facade replacement has a budget of $3 million, which was approved in Hamilton City Council’s Long Term Plan.
Unfortunately, no. With any water damage, often by the time it’s discovered, it’s too late for a patch repair. Because the damage lies between the facade and the building, the only way to adequately protect the library in the long term is to replace the entire facade. Since the work must be done, we’re making sure the new design will last, safeguard the collections, and provide a fit-for-purpose library for many years to come.
Yes. The building remains safe for staff and visitors. The protective measures inside and outside the library are designed to ensure everyone can continue using the library safely while work is underway.
No. Construction will only take place between 7.30am – 8pm.
The new design symbolises the library’s role as a place of knowledge and discovery. It also reflects mana whenua connections and aligns with the vision for Hamilton’s central city as a place people love to visit.
Built in the 1970s, it has been a cornerstone of the city for more than 50 years. It is home to Hamilton's historical archives and heritage collections. It holds more than 140,000 items in its collection. In the past year, it welcomed 145,000 visitors and hosted 430 events. In the 2024/25 year, Hamilton Libraries citywide recorded 928,000 in-person visits, nearly 1.7 million virtual visits, and hosted 1,698 events attended by more than 44,000 people.
Hillcrest Library has moved to a temporary location at Hamilton Gardens. You can find more information here.
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The facade replacement will be carried out by Watts & Hughes Construction.